Mbappé gives Zidane a winning France debut—but leaves injured

Zinedine Zidane’s first match as France coach ended in a 1–0 away win over Türkiye on September 25. Kylian Mbappé supplied the only goal in the UEFA Nations League Group A1 opener, but injured his knee in the process.101

The goal that decided it

After a scoreless first half, Michael Olise found Mbappé in space inside the penalty area. Mbappé drove a shot into the bottom corner in the 54th minute for his 67th goal for France.110 France did not add to its lead—Jules Koundé later hit the post—but held on for the win. Türkiye goalkeeper Uğurcan Çakır was sent off in the 87th minute.18

Mbappé’s injury and the next step

Mbappé showed pain around his left knee immediately after scoring. He received treatment and briefly resumed playing, but could not continue; Désiré Doué replaced him five minutes after the goal.51511 Zidane said Mbappé had swelling in the knee and that France would not take risks. Reports said he would leave the national-team squad and return to his club for assessment.54

That makes the result a mixed start for Zidane: France has three points, but must plan its next matches without the player who scored the winner. A return to Real Madrid for assessment does not establish when Mbappé will be fit to play again; the available reports give no confirmed diagnosis or recovery timetable.105